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Money Saving Tips: How To Save Energy This Winter…

It’s at this time of year when we start to think about how to make savings on our energy bills, there are so many ways in which we can make small changes to the way we consume energy and insulate our homes from the cold, so here are our top energy saving tips:

• Insulate your loft and cavity walls - make sure that your loft has enough insulation, as up to a quarter of your home’s heat could be lost through the roof. If you use insulation up to 270mm you will save around £180 on your annual energy bill. The typical cost of cavity insulation is between £400-500 and could save around £160 per year on utility bills.

Some energy companies such as British Gas will give you up to £700 towards insulating your loft space and cavity walls, but you do have to meet certain criteria such as not being a council tenant or in a housing association property.

To see if you are eligible here you will need to check out these contact numbers we have found on the Money Saving Expert website:

EDF. Fill out an application form online or call 0800 096 8634. See its eligibility criteria.

E.on. Apply via E.on's site. See its eligibility criteria.

Npower. Apply on Npower's site or call 0800 072 1741. Also see its eligibility checker.

SSE. Call 0800 975 2844 or fill out an online enquiry form. See its eligibility criteria.

• See if you can save money by changing energy suppliers.

• Turn down your thermostat – by turning down your heating thermostat by 1 degree could save you as much as 5% on your annual fuel bill. Ideally it needs to be set to 21 degrees - if you’re cold just add an extra layer.

• Check your home for drafts, these are most common around letter boxes, cat flaps, windows, external doors, use draft excluder, which you can by from your local DIY shop to prevent cold air from getting into your home. If you have a drafty front door, then put up a lined curtain.

• Curtains – if you have lined curtains this will help to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. If you don't have these or any sewing skills then by pinning on some fabric to the back of your curtains will provide you with more insulation.

• Place foil behind your radiators, this will prevent heat from being absorbed into your external walls and will reflect the heat into your room.

• If you don’t use your chimney then place a chimney balloon into your its cavity - this will prevent air from escaping.

• If you have wooden floors then place rugs on them as they will absorb the heat.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Intercounty is a trading name of ICIEA Limited and is an introducer appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network a trading name of First Complete Ltd. Mortgage and protection insurance advice is provided by LSLi Ltd t/a Embrace Mortgage Services, an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network a trading name of First Complete Ltd which authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity.

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